Immortality: Grinding Experience Starting as a Paper Craftsman

Chapter 24 Spiritual Power Transforms into Blades, Red Robe Returns

The solitary lamp, dim as a bean, cast flickering light on the ancient seal script on the jade slip.

Gu Yan had been sitting in the same position for two hours.

His consciousness was immersed in that piece of white jade, as if he were in a vast golden ocean.

Unlike the intricate process of paper-cutting, "Paper-cutting Soldiers" emphasizes controlling the scissors with energy and giving form to the spirit.

It does not require bamboo strips for the frame, nor does it require paste for bonding.

It requires spiritual power, as well as the practitioner's innate vital energy.

It turned out to be the case.

Gu Yan slowly opened his eyes, and a golden silhouette seemed to flash deep within his pupils.

The paper offerings made by ordinary people are for the dead, and they seek only a resemblance to the deceased.

This supernatural power is for the living, and it seeks to achieve a spiritual resemblance.

He took out a specially made light gold talisman from his pocket. It was made by mixing gold powder with the bark of a century-old sandalwood tree, and he usually couldn't bear to use it.

With his right hand, he brought his two fingers together, and spiritual energy pulsed at his fingertips, transforming into an invisible blade.

Without using scissors, Gu Yan's fingers moved rapidly through the air.

As he moved, the gold paper seemed to be cut by an invisible blade, and the excess parts fell away.

In a short while, a palm-sized, lifelike praying mantis appeared in the palm of your hand.

It has two serrated forearms and compound eyes adorned with two dots of vermilion. Although it is just a thin piece of paper, it exudes a chilling sharpness.

"rise."

Gu Yan gave a soft shout, forced out a drop of essence blood from his fingertip, and pressed it onto the back of the paper mantis.

"Buzz".

The paper mantis instantly came to life.

Unlike the previous paper figures, it did not appear stiff. Instead, it flapped its wings with remarkable agility, then transformed into a golden streak of light and vanished instantly.

"Do".

A soft sound.

Three zhang away, the fine iron candlestick stuck in the wall was cut off at the root.

The cut was as smooth as a mirror, as if it had been cleaved by a peerless divine weapon.

The paper mantis had already flown back to Gu Yan's shoulder, and was slowly grooming its pair of scythe-like forelimbs.

"So fast, so sharp."

Gu Yan gasped, then burst into ecstasy.

This isn't paper, it's clearly a flying sword!

Most importantly, this thing doesn't need to be carried around like the Yin Iron Rakshasa; it can be folded to the size of a fingernail and hidden in a sleeve, hair bun, or even the sole of a shoe.

This is truly a must-have for murder, robbery, and travel.

only……

Gu Yan felt a pang of regret as he realized that nearly 30% of his spiritual energy had been depleted.

This thing is very powerful, but it consumes too much energy.

With his current cultivation level, he can at most control three of these "Golden Knife Mantises" at the same time.

Looks like I still need to accumulate experience and level up.

Gu Yan put away the paper mantis and carefully tucked it into the ledger.

By then it was already broad daylight.

Although he had killed someone last night and stayed up all night, Gu Yan felt refreshed.

As you open the shop door, the morning sunlight spills onto the street.

Yesterday's explosion and panic seem to have faded away. People are always very adaptable; as long as they are alive, life must go on.

"Hey, Boss Gu, you're open for business so early?"

A clear, crisp voice with a touch of heroism rang out.

Gu Yan looked up and saw a woman dressed in a red outfit standing at the door, holding a long, sheathed sword in her hand and wearing a badge from the Demon Suppression Division at her waist.

It was the woman in red I had seen that night at the mass grave, Song Hong.

Gu Yan felt a chill run down his spine. He instantly activated the "Concealing Breath Turtle-Snake Technique" within his body to its maximum. His sharp and aggressive aura vanished instantly, leaving only a mild-mannered, shrewd boss-like demeanor.

"Oh my, isn't this Lord Song!"

Gu Yan hurriedly came out to greet him, his face beaming with the signature smile of a businessman:

"What brings you here? What errand are you on? I'll pour you some tea right away!"

Song Hong stepped into the shop, her sharp phoenix eyes scanning the entire store.

Her gaze lingered for a moment on the paper figure in the corner that was missing an arm. It was the prop that Gu Yan had used as a stand-in last night. Although it had been repaired, traces could still be seen upon closer inspection.

"How did this paper figure get torn?" Song Hong asked casually.

Gu Yan remained expressionless and sighed, "Don't even mention it. The wind was strong last night, and this old, dilapidated door was blown down by the wind, crushing several pieces of inventory. It broke my heart."

Song Hong looked away and didn't delve into the matter.

She looked at Gu Yan, her gaze complex.

"You're lucky. Yesterday's White Spirit Cult's ritual resulted in many deaths and even more injuries. You didn't go, so you're lucky to have survived."

"That's right, that's right. I'm timid and don't like to go into crowds."

As Gu Yan poured the tea, he cautiously probed:

"My lord, I heard that the leader of the White Spirit Sect... has run away?"

"run?"

Song Hong sneered, picked up her teacup, and took a sip:

"He's seriously injured and has been harmed by the backlash of his own evil magic, so he can't go far. My senior brother has already led a group to chase after him, and the area within a hundred miles is under our blockade. Unless he can burrow underground, he won't be able to escape."

Gu Yan chuckled inwardly.

It can no longer burrow underground, but by now it should have turned to ash and become fertilizer in the vegetable garden in the backyard.

"That's good, that's good. With the officials of the Demon Suppression Division here, we common people can rest assured." Gu Yan looked relieved.

"Alright, stop flattering me."

Song Hong put down her teacup, took out a slip of paper from her pocket, and slapped it on the counter:

"I'm here to discuss business. Although this crackdown on the White Spirit Cult was a great victory, we also lost several brothers..."

As she said this, the light in her eyes dimmed slightly.

Gu Yan's smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression.

My deepest condolences.

"You are the best paper-making craftsman in Changning County." Song Hong pointed to the list. "These brothers died protecting the people of this area. Their funeral arrangements cannot be taken lightly. We need the best paper horses, the best weapons, and... the kind of guards that will protect them even in the afterlife."

She stared into Gu Yan's eyes:

"Money is not a problem; the Demon Suppression Division has plenty of funds. But if the products aren't made well, or if they're just shoddy work..."

"Don't worry, sir."

Gu Yan interrupted her, his tone more serious than ever before:

"When it comes to bidding farewell to heroes, I, Gu, will not hesitate to do so. I will not accept money."

"No charge?"

Song Hong was taken aback; this was nothing like the greedy boss she remembered.

"I won't take the money." Gu Yan picked up the receipt, her eyes clear. I wanted to exchange something with the adult.

"What is it?"

"I've heard that the Demon Suppression Division has a 'Demon Slaying Token,' which allows holders to exchange for monster materials at various Demon Suppression Divisions. Gu Yan's intentions are now clear: I'd like to request one of these tokens."

Now that he has the "Paper Soldiers" and the Yin Iron Rakshasa, what he lacks most is high-grade monster materials to make stronger puppets and paper soldiers.

Instead of trying your luck on the black market, it's better to connect directly with the official channels.

Song Hong gave him a deep look.

"Demon-Slaying Orders are usually only issued to martial arts practitioners who assist in investigations. What would you, a shopkeeper, need monster materials for?"

"We need them to make paper figures," Gu Yan said matter-of-factly. "Paper figures made with the bones and blood of demonic beasts are more spiritual and majestic. Since they're for the officials of the Demon Suppression Division, we naturally need to use the best materials."

This reason is irrefutable.

Song Hong remained silent for a moment, then finally took a black iron token from her waist and threw it on the table.

"This is the lowest grade of Black Iron Token. Once it's finished, I'll have someone inspect it. If it's well-made, this token is yours. If it's not well-made..."

She didn't mention the consequences, but her fingers tightened around the knife handle.

"make a deal."

Gu Yan picked up the token; it felt cold and heavy in his hand.

After seeing Song Hong off, Gu Yan closed the door, played with the token in his hand, and a smile appeared on his lips.

With this, our future supply channels are now open.

He looked at the pile of bamboo strips and paper in the corner.

We need to put our heart into making this batch of goods for the Demon Suppression Division.

Not only do you need to put your heart into it, but you also need to add some extra ingredients.